Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 237: Those who are good at fighting have no great achievements
Today, Luoyang Palace looks much the same as usual. A chilling silence hangs in the air, its imposing presence unassailable.

Although nothing seemed amiss, the fact that palace eunuchs were coming to summon the central court officials to the Taiji Hall for a court assembly, even as darkness was falling, was itself an unusual occurrence that could not be ignored.

Jia Chong passed through the Yunlong Gate and, led by the palace guards, headed towards the Taiji Hall. On the way, he encountered Li Yin and others. Even Zhang Hua, who had just been appointed as a Yellow Gate Attendant, was among them.

Jia Chong pretended to chat with Li Yin and the others, and then received a piece of news that made his heart pound: they knew nothing about him!

Li Yin and Zhang Hua also did not know what the court meeting was about, but when the eunuchs who delivered the order came to their residences, they all left a message: anyone who does not attend the court meeting today will be dismissed from office without further notice.

Whether it was Jia Chong or Li Yin, not to mention Zhang Hua and the others, they all suffered the same fate.

Jia Chong had a bad feeling.

At this moment, in front of the Taiji Hall, the Imperial Guards stood in two rows on the left and right, clearing the way in the middle. Every soldier was clad in armor and carrying a sword, creating an atmosphere of extreme tension.

The group arrived at the Taiji Hall, only to find that Zheng Chong and the others had already arrived, but were not allowed to enter the Taiji Hall and could only wait at the entrance.

The gates of the Taiji Hall were tightly closed, as if a primordial beast were hiding inside.

Something must have happened, but what could it be?
Jia Chong was anxious but helpless. With his connections and abilities, if something serious happened, he couldn't possibly remain completely silent.

What exactly went wrong?

Unbeknownst to Jia Chong, he noticed that even Li Yin, who was usually as composed as a rock, looked somewhat flustered at this moment.

Something's not right, this is really not right!

Jia Chong looked around and found that there were a lot of ministers who had been asked to attend the court assembly, and he couldn't find anyone who was absent. Basically, all the important ones were here.

Even Wang Xiang, who was eighty years old and once performed the "lying on ice to catch carp" performance art, is waiting here now!

Click, click, click, click!

The hinges of the Taiji Hall's main gate emitted a teeth-grinding sound, the friction of an ancient gate lacking bearings and not frequently opened or closed, due to rust and decay.

The doors to the Taiji Hall have opened!
The many central court officials waiting outside quickly stepped aside, watching helplessly as several eunuchs pushed open the gates of the Taiji Hall completely.

After the door was opened, Jia Chong stepped forward first and looked into the main hall.

Sima Yan, dressed in a red dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne. Beside him sat a woman, her figure obscured by a curtain, making it difficult to see clearly.

But thinking about it, it's obvious that the woman could only be Wang Yuanji. Empress Yang, the Crown Princess of Sima Yan, was not qualified to appear in such a setting.

"By imperial decree, all ministers are invited to the palace!"

A high-pitched eunuch shouted something. Then, the drummers in the hall began to beat their drums.

dong dong dong!dong dong dong!
It was like a general selecting his troops, filled with an indescribable sense of tension.

This has never happened before.

Jia Chong seemed to have guessed what would happen today, but now he was already at the entrance of the Taiji Hall, under the watchful eyes of everyone, with no way out.

Let alone the palace where the court is held, even if it were a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, Jia Chong and all the central ministers around him would go and brave it today. No one would be able to escape!
Even without turning around, Jia Chong knew that the imperial guards who had been standing on both sides of the road had now blocked their retreat.

He stepped into the Taiji Hall first, then casually glanced around. It would have been better if he hadn't looked; upon closer inspection, he saw armored guards looming on both sides of the main hall and at the entrances to the side halls and rear halls behind the dragon throne.

Even with only a few scales and claws showing, the number of them is not small.

Furthermore, Shi Shouxin, with a sword at his waist, stood beside Sima Yan, his hand on the hilt, his posture as straight as a pine tree.

He stared straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact with anyone.

It stands like a statue.

At this moment, the officials entered the hall and, according to their official ranks, consciously took their places. The entire hall was packed with people.

To put it bluntly, if a meteorite were to fall from the sky and hit the Taiji Palace today, the Jin Kingdom would be destroyed without any exaggeration.

"The meeting begins!"

The eunuch shouted something and then stepped aside.

The courtiers looked at Sima Yan, who was sitting upright on the dragon throne and wearing the dragon robe. They had a thousand words in their hearts, but they didn't know how to say them or who to say them to.

Perhaps, Sima Yan sitting on the dragon throne at this moment, even without saying a word, can reveal a lot.

Where is Zheng Chong?

Sima Yan asked the question in a dignified and indifferent tone.

"The minister is here."

Zheng Chong stepped forward. Although he was somewhat confused about what was happening, he came from a humble background and had neither powerful connections nor troops. Even if he knew something was amiss, he couldn't bring himself to question or challenge Sima Yan.

He's called DouDou. He can only eat and sleep. Nobody can hit him; he's the one who gets hit.

"Come forward and read the imperial edict."

Sima Yan avoided using the word "朕" (zhen, meaning "I, the emperor") as much as possible, because without reading the imperial edict, he was not truly the emperor; there was always a missing step. Even a rubber stamp was still a stamp, and it couldn't be omitted.

Without a word, Zheng Chong stepped forward, took the imperial edict, and began to read it.

"Your Majesty, I humbly report: In the past, our Emperor Xuan (Sima Yi) pacified the Central Plains, and Emperor Jing (Sima Shi) glorified the achievements of the past. As for our late Emperor Wen (Sima Zhao), his divine martial prowess was timely, and he was born to receive the Mandate of Heaven. He pacified Shu and quelled Wu, and the nine regions returned to benevolence; he established rites and music..."

Who the hell wrote this imperial edict?! It's so arrogant!
Zheng Chong read the imperial edict until cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hands trembled as he held it.

He suddenly stopped, unable to continue reading.

"Minister Zheng, please continue reading."

Sima Yan looked at Zheng Chong and gave him instructions.

Zheng Chong had no choice but to bite the bullet and finish reading the imperial edict.

When he finished reading the imperial edict, the officials in the hall were dumbfounded. They were so shocked that they forgot to whisper among themselves and stood there, not knowing what to do.

The previous emperor had only been on the throne for a few days, and it's already gone?

Then the crown prince immediately ascended the throne without even greeting these central court officials?

This is absolutely outrageous!
"Gentlemen, please hear me out."

Wang Yuanji suddenly spoke up.

Without waiting for the ministers in the hall to say anything, she continued:
"His Majesty is afflicted with an incurable disease and is bedridden and unconscious. In accordance with His Majesty's instructions, the Crown Prince has ascended the throne and assumed the imperial authority, acting as the Son of Heaven."

Your Majesty abdicates and is honored as the Retired Emperor. All affairs of the court shall be handled by the new emperor.

Today's court assembly is to inform you all of this matter.

Wang Yuanji's voice was gentle and unhurried, but what she said was incredibly explosive.

"Your Majesty, we were all unaware of His Majesty's abdication."

It would be against propriety for the crown prince to ascend the throne in this way.

We are His Majesty's subjects; at the very least, we must see His Majesty before discussing the matter of the Crown Prince's succession."

Zhang Hua stepped forward, bowed to Wang Yuanji, and spoke eloquently.

The emperor's hunting and herding are official business, not your Sima family's private domain!
What do you think this is? This is the Taiji Hall! It's where ministers discuss important matters of state, not your backyard!
What do you mean by "Emperor"? The Emperor is the master of divine artifacts, the one who stands at the pinnacle of power, not some nobody!
How can you just assume the throne whenever you want?
“Minister Zhang, we can discuss the matter of meeting the Emperor Emeritus later, but the country cannot be without a ruler for even a day.”

Today is both a court assembly and a ceremony, and the rites must not be disregarded. It is impossible for Your Majesty to be prevented from ascending the throne because of your words.

"Guards, escort Minister Zhang out of the main hall. After the court session, take him to the Emperor Emeritus."

Wang Yuanji's tone was unusually cold, but she didn't pause at all. Shi Shouxin walked up to Zhang Hua, and as he stepped forward, the plates of his lamellar armor rubbed together, producing a series of jarring sounds.

"Zhang Huangmen, please."

Shi Shouxin pointed in the direction of the rear hall.

Zhang Hua sighed deeply, slowly walked to the entrance of the back hall, glanced inside, and gasped in shock.

The passageway was packed with imperial guards, all clad in armor and armed with weapons.

Shi Shouxin handed Zhang Hua over to a guard of the Imperial Guard, and then returned to the main hall of the Taiji Hall.

Then, without making a sound, he nodded to Sima Yan and stood still in the same place as before.

The scene of Zhang Hua being taken away just now felt like an illusion, coming and going quickly.

Just like Zhang Hua did not attend the court assembly today.

"Anyone else who wants to see the Emperor Emeritus can go to the back hall now and wait there. After the court session, they can go with Zhang Hua."

Wang Yuanji spoke coldly, her tone already carrying a hidden threat. Even a naive young person could hear the unspoken implication that going there would mean certain death.

Just as the atmosphere became subtly awkward, Jia Chong suddenly knelt down and shouted to Sima Yan:

"Your humble servant pays homage to Your Majesty. Congratulations on Your Majesty's ascension to the throne! May Your Majesty live a long and prosperous life, and may your empire be forever secure!"

He was the first to kneel.

There might have been a slight hesitation and confusion, but when he knelt down, his attitude was unusually firm.

"May our Emperor live a long and prosperous life, and may his empire be forever secure!"

Immediately, people knelt down with Jia Chong, one after another. They were like drowning people, grasping at every straw.

A new emperor brings a new court. The old officials should be obedient and subservient, which might allow them to fall a little longer and slow down the rate of decline.

If we don't pledge our loyalty now, it's only a matter of time before we're purged; there's no need to doubt it at all.

Seeing this scene, Shi Shouxin breathed a slight sigh of relief.

His move was very risky, and there were also gentler methods to put Sima Yan on the throne.

However, in that case, Sima Yan would have to offer more benefits to feed the old men in the Taiji Hall.

Shi Shouxin certainly didn't mind Sima Yan sharing power; however, sharing was acceptable, but it could only be shared with himself, and he wouldn't mind that way.

As for sharing it with old gentry like Jia Chong, that's unnecessary.

Sima Yan turned his head to look at Shi Shouxin, and seeing the other man nod slightly, he then looked at the assembled officials in the hall and spoke:

"The enthronement ceremony will be held in three days. Minister Zheng, please make preparations for the enthronement ceremony."

After I ascended the throne, the new dynasty brought a new atmosphere. In addition to granting a general amnesty, I also need to adjust the official positions of the central court officials.

Those who are capable and virtuous should be promoted and given important positions.

Those who hold positions without performing their duties, or those whose titles do not match their abilities, will be demoted or even dismissed.

If any of you have any good ideas or strategies that would benefit the country, please feel free to present them to me.

I will not be stingy with my rewards.

Furthermore, I am still young, so the Empress Dowager will rule from behind the curtain and assist me in handling state affairs. This is also the wish of the retired emperor.

Once the political situation is stable, the Empress Dowager will return to the inner palace to enjoy her remaining years, and I will handle state affairs alone.

Therefore, no regent will be appointed.

Furthermore, Qi King Sima You is in charge of the Imperial Guards, which is also the Emperor Emeritus's wish. I am filial and will not disobey the Emperor Emeritus.

"Do any of you have anything else to say? If so, please speak; otherwise, the court may adjourn."

Sima Yan spoke at length, his tone very stiff, completely unlike his usual humility.

Perhaps it was because it was his first time convening a court assembly as emperor, and he was still a little reserved. He had memorized these words for a long time, carefully considering them repeatedly, always afraid of saying the wrong thing.

Seeing that no one spoke, Sima Yan stood up and walked towards the rear hall.

Led by Jia Chong, the court officials bowed to Sima Yan's departing figure and said, "Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, Sima Yan paused, a shiver running through him, but he didn't turn around and continued walking forward.

His heart, which had been pounding, finally settled back down, and he felt completely exhausted.

……

At the same time as the court assembly was being held, many tables and desks had already been set up in the signing room of the Grand Marshal's Gate at the south gate of Luoyang Palace, each table and desk was filled with wine and dishes.

Sima You sat in the main seat, while the imperial guards, including Sima Zhou, and the city gate officers, including Wei Guan, and other Luoyang city defense officials sat upright, waiting for Sima You to speak.

Remembering Shi Shouxin's previous instructions, Sima You coughed lightly and said:

"Today is the Crown Prince's ascension to the throne. A court assembly is being held in the Taiji Hall. The new emperor and his court officials are discussing the enthronement ceremony three days from now."

"I have summoned you all here to discuss the security arrangements for the enthronement ceremony three days from now, to prevent any unscrupulous individuals from causing trouble."

Inside the Taiji Hall, Sima Yan and Wang Yuanji still conducted themselves in a very scholarly manner.

However, Sima You was quite blunt in his dealings with the Grand Marshal's family, directly stating that he would ascend the throne and change the emperor, being straightforward and without beating around the bush.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince's sudden ascension to the throne... has something happened on the Emperor's side?"

Wei Guan asked calmly.

Sima You, recalling Shi Shouxin's advice, looked at Wei Guan with a smile and said, "The Emperor is unwell and has abdicated, now serving as the Retired Emperor. As for the new Crown Prince, he has not yet been appointed. Commandant Wei, you should be careful with your words."

The imperial guards present looked at each other, and no one said anything more, nor did they echo Sima You.

"Although it is said that a new emperor brings a new court, in accordance with the Emperor Emeritus's instructions, I will continue to command the Luoyang Imperial Guards."

You are all my right-hand men.

Even after the Crown Prince ascends the throne and becomes the Emperor, you will still be responsible for guarding the capital and protecting against villains. Just continue doing what you were doing before.

Come, let us congratulate Your Majesty on your ascension to the throne!

Sima You picked up his wine cup and drank the wine in one gulp.

Wei Guan was the first to offer a toast, Sima Zhou was the second, and the remaining imperial guards generals also raised their cups to toast.

"Gentlemen, His Majesty has shown compassion for your inability to attend the court assembly today and has specially granted you a banquet to share in His Majesty's joy."

Please don't be shy, everyone. Let's begin the meal.

Sima You said with a smile.

The atmosphere in the signing room instantly relaxed.

Wei Guan stared at Sima You thoughtfully for a while, and only looked away when the other looked over.

Wei Guan sighed inwardly, "A true warrior achieves victory without ostentation. Shi Shouxin has won this round again."

This familiar aura made Wei Guan think that someone was using an invisible hand to silently push the situation forward.

(End of this chapter)